How should we water our home plants?

 We can find countless reasons to love houseplants. They clean the air of our environment and reduce stress, increase focus and creativity, add the outdoor feeling to our lives; The first positive effects that come to mind. However, on the other hand, considering that they are designed to live outside and with mother nature, if we look at our plants indoors, we must take care to treat them well. In this good care part, one of the issues that we get confused the most and do not know how to do is watering.

 Professor of horticulture at the University of Vermont, Dr. Leonard Perry points out that watering, and often overwatering, is where most residents misunderstand. Fortunately, he states that when you consider the environmental factors and the needs of the individual plant, it is really difficult and not a subject like exploring the moon.

 He explains the key point related to the subject in a single sentence. Each plant needs a different irrigation. And this need may vary depending not only on the species, but also on the pot and pot environment of a plant, its location in the house, the weather, the season. But when you know how to read a plant and soil, which is not that difficult, you can master the art of irrigation. Here's what you need to know.

 Why does one irrigation method not fit all plants?

 Some plants are very enthusiastic about water, some don't need water for weeks, most of them position themselves somewhere in between. So it might be good to do some research and see where each particular species is found in the water spectrum.

 The variables that cause the plant to want water:

 Pot environment (can cause moisture or dryness)

 Exposure to light

 Temperature

 Moisture

 Growth phase versus dormant phase (most plants grow more in the spring and summer and require more water later)

 Hanging and standing still (hanging plants dry faster)

 How does it express when a plant needs watering?

 You should water most plants when the soil feels dry to the touch. You can lightly dip your finger into the soil 1-2 inches to see how dry it is. You can also lift a plant in the pot (or tilt or shake the pot if it is large) to measure how wet the soil is. If you get an idea of ​​its weight right after water, you can have a base weight to compare with when it dries. If the soil is dry and leaves wither, the plant may be thirsty. But the leaves fading, flaking and yellowing can mean that you are giving too much water.

 When should we give water?

 Simply put, you should water a house plant according to its needs and growth patterns.

 Most plants will require more water during the spring and summer months and less during the dormant periods in the fall and winter.

 Because the variables that affect a plant's thirst are constantly changing, it's best not to adhere to a fixed schedule. As Perry points out, "Irrigation at a fixed schedule can mean that the plants are over-watered at one time of the year, but under the other times."

 Since cold leaves can invite diseases and fungi, the best time to water is in the morning and gives the plant time to dry. For plants on windows that are accustomed to a lot of light, be careful not to water excessively on cloudy days as their leaves will not dry at normal rates.

 What kind of water should we use?

 Marrow. Just as you don't like an icy shower, your plants share the same feeling as us. Cold water coming directly from the faucet can shock the roots. When watering is finished, you can fill the watering can. Thus, when you water again, the water will be waiting for your plant at room temperature.

 How should we give water?

 A watering can with a long spout provides the best control to direct water around the soil while avoiding wetting the leaves. Remember that wet leaves will invite fungi to settle on plants.

 How is bottom irrigation done?

 Bottom irrigation means a plant draws water from the bottom instead of the top. It is a great way to give plants enough water without digging their leaves. It ensures that these important roots near the bottom are sufficient to drink enough to become even more difficult when watering.

 The only problem with plants associated with bottom irrigation is that it does not remove excess salt from the soil as top irrigation does. To provide an easy solution, do bottom irrigation once a month.

 How much water should be used?

 Some plants naturally require less water, such as cacti, succulents, and plants with thick leaves. Most of the rest love water very much. And remember, they usually don't want a single sip when they want water. If the pot environment is really dry, it may take a longer time to absorb the water. So if the water flows surprisingly quickly from below, it's probably right through it. In this case, you can give the plant a long, leisurely enjoyment of water to let the soil absorb it.

 The critical point is to know the plant and try to understand it. Once you start listening to it, you will really notice the change.